Veteran Indian actress Padma Khanna is best known for her iconic portrayal of Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar’s epic television series, Ramayan. Her career spans decades and multiple film industries, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility.

Wiki/Biography

Padma Khanna was born on Thursday, March 10, 1949 (age 74 as of 2023), in Patna, Bihar. She spent a significant portion of her childhood in Varanasi, where she began learning Kathak at the tender age of seven. This early exposure to dance significantly shaped her future career.

Family & Caste

Parents & Siblings

Detailed information regarding her parents and siblings remains scarce.

Relationships, Husband & Children

Padma Khanna was married to the late film director Jagdish L. Sidana in 1986. From this marriage, she has a daughter, Neha Sidana, and a son, Akshar Sidana.

Career

Film

Padma’s acting journey began at age twelve with her debut in the Bhojpuri film “Bhaiya” (1961). This was followed by “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo” (1962). Her filmography boasts a diverse range of Bhojpuri films including “Bidesiya” (1963), “Balam Pardesia” (1979), and “Mai” (1989).

Her Bollywood debut was in “Biwi Aur Makaan” (1966), although she achieved widespread recognition after her role as a cabaret dancer in “Johny Mera Naam” (1970). Other notable Bollywood films include “Pakeezah” (1972), “Saudagar” (1973), and “Hera Pheri” (1976).

Her cinematic journey extended to other regional film industries. She appeared in the Gujarati film “Gher Gher Matina Chula” (1977), and the Punjabi films “Jindri Yaar Di” (1978) and “Sher Puttar” (1978). Her Marathi film credits include “Devta” (1983) and “Maaficha Sakshidar” (1986).

Television

Padma made her television debut with the iconic “Ramayan” (1987), playing the memorable role of Kaikeyi. This role solidified her position as a household name in India.

Facts/Trivia

• Actresses Padmini and Vyjayanthimala encouraged her move to Bombay to pursue a film career.
• After her debut Bhojpuri film’s box office failure, she briefly returned to Varanasi before returning to Bombay at the urging of Gopi Krishna.
• She served as Meena Kumari’s body double in “Pakeezah” (1972).
• Her role in “Saudagar” (1973) alongside Amitabh Bachchan significantly boosted her fame.
• Early in her career, she often portrayed gentle village girls in films like “Saaz Aur Awaz,” “Baharon Ke Sapne,” “Aashirwad,” “Rahgir,” and “Heer Ranjha.”
• Following “Johny Mera Naam,” she was frequently cast in vampish or negative roles during the 1970s and 1980s.
• She acted in over 400 films across various languages.
• She retired from acting after marrying Jagdish L. Sidana in 1986.
• Currently, she resides in New Jersey, USA, and runs the Indianica Dance Academy in Iselin, New Jersey.